title: Effective Application of Knowledge Management in Evidence-based Chinese Medicine: A Case Study.
abstract: Chinese medicine (CM) practice, as a knowledge-based industry, has not embraced knowledge management (KM) techniques widely. However, KM may facilitate the adaptation and promotion of evidence-based CM. A KM framework was introduced to its activities in evidence-based CM through the development of a CM portal. A codification strategy was used to codify and store knowledge systematically in a database. Several approaches were developed and implemented to address specific needs for CM such as centralizing the information, encouraging collective efforts, promoting integration of explicit and tacit knowledge, and developing a flexible technology and support system. Following the established KM framework, the RMIT Chinese Medicine Portal (www.chinese-medicine.com.au) was built up with four major components: organizational knowledge, knowledge workers, KM processes and information technology. Knowledge on Chinese herbs was classified into core, advanced and innovative categories, which involved the development of the monograph template. A working group was organized including CM, pharmacology and information technology professionals to implement this proposal with following sequential development stages: knowledge creation/acquisition, storage/organization, distribution and application. User interface and web language were also defined and accomplished. This case study demonstrates the applicability of KM in evidence-based CM through a multidisciplinary collaboration, such as, an effective collaboration between CM and information technology. The study also shows the potential of KM application in other disciplines of complementary and alternative medicine.
authors.affiliation: The RMIT Chinese Medicine Research Group, PO Box 71, Plenty Road, Division of Chinese Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Bundoora West Campus, RMIT University, Victoria 3083, Australia. angela.yang@rmit.edu.au.
authors.forename: Angela Weihong
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.forename: Chun Guang
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Charlie Changli
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Xue